Dudley collector's military treasures to be auctioned

A HUGE cache of historic weapons dating back 150 years is set to raise up to £50,000 at auction in Birmingham.

A HUGE cache of historic weapons dating back 150 years is set to raise up to £50,000 at auction in Birmingham.

The 350 lots were handed over to city-based Biddle and Webb following the death of an anonymous Dudley-based private collector. The collection includes guns, rifles, medals, and pistols to bayonets, knives and machetes which date back to 1850.

The company’s managing director Jeremy Thornton said the collection justified its own sale as it was so “extensive, expansive and diverse”.

“The gentleman’s family said he found collecting militaria an enjoyable pastime and that expanded over the next 50 years,” Mr Thornton said.

“This auction is creating a lot of interest and excitement.

“We contacted a number of militaria collectors about this auction and many have been battering down our door to try to view the items early.

“Others said they were saving their money to come to this auction instead of going to others so it’s very encouraging and I know it’s going to be standing room only on the day.

“The diversity and volume of the sale items make it very special indeed, and in some ways this paraphernalia has helped shape British military history.”

The collection also includes albums containing military badges, buttons and insignia and a range of helmets and a range of ceremonial German daggers from the Second World War.

There is also a “large amount” of temperance medals. These were awarded to soldiers who avoided alcohol for set periods in an effort to clampdown on drunkenness in soldiers serving in areas where there was a lack of recreational activities.

The sale takes place at Biddle and Webb’s auction house in Ladywood Middleway, off Icknield Square, Birmingham, on June 30 at 10.30am.